Whether prepping a big presentation or simply homing your executive presentation skills, practicing makes perfect.
Yes, it may be a cliche but only because of the truth in the statement.
But the question remains: How exactly does one practice a huge presentation?
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An often considered point in professional business writing is formatting.
When preparing memos, briefs, case studies and other things of this nature, the question of formatting can be a tricky one, but it can quickly and easily set the tone of that particular document. Be it on paper or on screen, formatting still remains a vital step in the creation of these documents.
Professional business writing (e.g.- proposals, briefs, case studies) is, obviously, not the same as traditional copywriting, even though the latter is prepared on behalf of a business (usually to increase sales!). What’s sometimes less obvious is what stylistic rules prevail in each of these respective forums..
In this article, we will focus on a mark of punctuation that tends to cause confusion: the ellipsis.
Beforeevery show, Stuart Smalley (a feel-good talk show host on Saturday Night Live played by Al Franken) looks into a mirror and famously tells himself, “I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!”
While this is an exaggeration for the effect of comedy, the concept of “psyching oneself up” for a public presentation is very germane to the acquisition of executive presentation skills.
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In developing executive presentation skills, it pays to think of your voice in much the same way you might consider a musical instrument. There are an almost infinite number of ways to combine volume, rhythm (pacing), and “color.” Just as great musicians play their respective instrument with a conscious effort to convey the composer’s message and intent, the best presenters use their voice to help clarify and reinforce the meaning of their message.
Let’s give some consideration to the ways in which one’s voice can be effectively used.
An important component of executive presentation skills is using effective body language.
In fact, more than just a component, some contend that body language can communicate even more powerfully and persuasively than the written or spoken text of a presentation. Here are three of the most important aspects of body language that can be utilized to effective advantage during a presentation.
An important lesson to remember when developing executive presentation skills.
But not every “slide” or “power point” frame is a picture, i.e. – an image that is “graphical.”
In fact, for the most part, most presenters create power point frames that tend to rely more heavily on text than on graphics. You know what I mean: the ubiquitous “bullet points.” In fact, in an effort to “visualize” a presentation, presenters often subject audiences to power point frames that seem to be crammed with, ironically enough, about a thousand words!
No, not that kind of stripping. This blog is still all about presentation skills, presentation development, and overall enhancement of communication.
But “stripping” … or, at least, “stripping away” … does play a role in all of this. Let me explain.
Talent can be taught.
Douglas Krager, a radio host, author and renowned public speaker, recently wrote a column on talent in which he channels the philosophy of author and journalist Geoff Colvin: Talent = Yearning + Input + Deliberate Practice.
And so, 2009 draws to a close … to which many are inclined to say, ‘good riddance!’
Nonetheless, the New Year beckons. Talk about “’tis the season” … this is certainly the season of anticipation, expectations, hopes … and looking forward.
Many business leaders will use this season to make an important presentation. For most of these presenters, their primary objective is to, at the very least, “inform” key constituents of the goals and expectations for the business in 2010. As such, clarity is key.